"I'm really proud of it. I think of all the things people ask me that we've done since starting in Government, this is the proudest thing."

The multi-billion-dollar scheme gives 384,000 families extra money in the back pocket through changes to Working for Families, the 'Best Start' payment to families of newborn babies, winter energy payments for beneficiaries and extended paid parental leave, at a higher pay rate.

Ms Ardern is currently midway through her allotted six weeks of parental leave.